Not merely a victory, but a thumping one for Shepherds Bush Cricket Club away to Teddington at the weekend when – with a liberal coating of sun cream – they cruised to a 180-run win.
As the temperature soared at the Dora Jordan Road ground, Bush won the toss and batted first leaving the Teddington fielders sweltering in the 30 degree heat as Bush made hay while the sun shone.
Hero of the day was Ikjot Thind who, despite seeing fellow opener Henry Blofield caught for just one run, went on to post a magnificent 187 before being stumped by wicketkeeper Chris Wakefield.
Thind's total was achieved in 183 balls, and included 19 fours and seven sixes, more than making up for his disappointing score of three against North Middlesex a week earlier.
Further down the order, Marcus Howard scored 48 before being out LBW to Alasdair Pollock's bowling, with Alex Blofield adding 37 as Bush declared on 320 for 7.
Well hydrated, the lads from Bromyard Avenue went on the attack, with Idris Otto-Mian catching both of Teddington's openers off Ramon Bailey's bowling.
Teddington's batters struggled to make double figures, with only Wakefield putting up any serious resistance. His top score of 43 included seven fours, but sharp fielding and excellent bowling (Bailey finished with four wickets for 40) meant there was only going to be one outcome.
All out for 140, the home side had to concede that Bush's current run of form makes them one of the top sides to beat this season.
Bush are at home to Hornsey on Saturday (5 July, Bromyard Avenue, Acton, 11am), when a much cooler predicted temperature of 21 degrees will be welcomed by the players.
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and unless specifically stated are not necessarily those of Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
